Wellness & Research Blog

Optimal Health Insider

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Supplements vs Food: Why Whole-Food-Based Products Matter

Not all supplements are created equally, and for the average person standing in the vitamin aisle, the labels don’t make that clear. Many common supplements...
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Studies say: Bet on beta-glucans for immune support

Beta-glucans are naturally occurring polysaccharides---a class of carbohydrates. They are found in cereal grains, yeast, fungi and algae. While whole cereal grains and fungal plants...
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Mealworm larvae protein approved in the EU, but new study reinforces whey as a better protein choice

In January 2025 the European Commission approved a new "food ingredient" made from dried and ground mealworm larvae---the young form of beetles. The approval is...
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Quercetin and anthocyanin---the flavonoid duo that make onions a cancer-fighting superstar

When scanning the ingredients in your favorite nutritional supplement, you're not likely surprised by the inclusion of exotic herbs from the Far East or Africa....
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Elderberry: The world's favorite immune boosting nutrient also proffers a fat-burning benefit

At the start of a new year just about everyone has the same two health goals: keep the immune system strong in the heart of...
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Study shows ashwagandha should be one of your go-to nutrients for holiday season stress

A 2023 survey by the American Psychological Association found that 89 percent of U.S. adults feel stressed during the holiday season. "Holiday season" typically refers...
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Add it to the benefit list: Study finds fruit and veggies help you avoid colon cancer

Many diseases that used to be considered diseases of the elderly are now affecting younger people at alarming rates. One of these diseases is colon...
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Study finds black seed effective for treating polycystic ovary syndrome in adolescents

According to a new study black seed oil is effective in treating a common, painful health challenge that many young women struggle with: polycystic ovary...
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Spirulina eases muscle stress and boosts athletic performance, according to new Italian study

Spirulina is a type of algae that has grown in popularity as a nutritional supplement in recent years. Other types of algae that are popular...
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How Ashwagandha Can Enhance Your Memory and Focus in 30 Days

According to market tracking data, an herb that has beed used medicinally for millennia---ashwagandha---has soared in popularity in recent years. Herb Market Report states that...
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Studies: Consuming alcohol increases macular degeneration risk while fruit and veggie consumption lowers risk

Most people recognize that heavy alcohol consumption comes with a number or health risks; however, one common health condition that isn't normally associated with alcohol...
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Study finds half of cancer deaths are preventable--one prevention tool is eating fruit and veggies

Everyone knows smoking is a risk factor for contracting cancer; however, according to researchers with the American Cancer Society, smoking is just one lifestyle habit...
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Black Seed Oil: Ancient Remedy Backed by Modern Science

Black seed—also known by its scientific name, Nigella sativa—is a small seed that comes from a flowering plant by the same name. As an annual...
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Pass Grandma the mushrooms: Study finds reishi extract improves immune function in older women

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) is a type of mushroom that enjoys a long history in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Written records document medicinal use of reishi...
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Ashwagandha: twin studies highlight stress relief and energy production benefits

Ashwagandha, also known as winter cherry and Indian ginseng, is an evergreen shrub in the Solanaceae or nightshade family. Ashwagandha grows in India, the Middle...
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Green tea studies from Iran and China highlight weight loss properties

Green tea hasn't always been just a pleasant drink. It has a long history of medicinal uses dating back over 3,000 years. Most people don't...
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Healthy sweets: The sugar in fruit is not the evil you've been told it is

Is all sugar bad for you? We all know that refined sugar---the kind used in sweets, processed food and soda pop---contains no nutrition and loads...
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The mushroom benefit you probably missed: protection from toxins

In recent years, Western countries have begun to embrace what Eastern medicine has known for centuries: mushrooms offer impressive nutritional and medicinal benefits, especially for...
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